What are named calculations and how does they function inside a SSAS Cube.

Problem: What are named calculations and how does they function inside a SSAS Cube.

Solution: Define Named Calculations in a Data Source View

A named calculation is a SQL expression represented as a calculated column. This expression appears and behaves as a column in the table. A named calculation lets you extend the relational schema of existing tables or views in a data source view without modifying the tables or views in the underlying data source. Consider the following examples:

·         Create a single named calculation that is derived from multiple columns in a fact table (for example, creating Tax Amount by multiplying a tax rate by a sales price).

·         Construct a user-friendly name for a dimension member.

·         As a query performance enhancement, create a named calculation in the DSV instead of creating a calculated member in a cube. Named calculations are calculated during processing whereas calculated members are calculated at query time.

Example:

In this example, I would like to show we can create a named calculation for creating a full name in a dimension.

Step 1: launch visual studio and open the data source view tab, for more information go through this article How to build a cube..

Step 2: Now go to the employee dimension which has first name and last name members and right click on the dimension to add new named calculation.

Step 3: There will be a dialog box for adding expressions to create full name from first name and last name.

Step 4: build and deploy the cube and you should see a calculator next to the new member we added.

Step 5: to browse the data from the calculated members go to the employee tab and right click to hit explore the data.

Results: